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Gansevoort Surgeon Gets 78 Months for Oxycodone Ring
An orthopedic surgeon from Gansevoort, New York, has been sentenced to 78 months in prison for his role in a large-scale oxycodone distribution ring.
Jeffrey Gundel, age 51, was found guilty of unlawfully distributing tens of thousands of oxycodone pills. The pills, a powerful Schedule II narcotic, were prescribed for no legitimate medical purpose and were sold on the black market.
As part of his guilty plea, Gundel admitted to writing over 200 prescriptions for oxycodone between May 2011 and April 2014. He also admitted to receiving cash kickbacks after co-conspirators filled the prescriptions and sold the pills.
U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino sentenced Gundel to 78 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The judge called Gundel a “common criminal drug dealer” and said that his actions had caused untold harm to the community.
Oxycodone is a highly addictive and often abused prescription painkiller. A single tablet can be sold on the street for between $30 and $45.
The investigation into Gundel’s activities was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Myers prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian praised the work of the investigators and prosecutors, saying that Gundel’s actions had caused the streets of the district to be flooded with deadly and addictive pills.
Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt added that diverted oxycodone is a major contributor to heroin abuse in the United States, and that doctors who illegally prescribe pain medication for profit are fueling the heroin epidemic.
Gundel’s sentencing is a significant blow to the oxycodone trafficking ring, but it is just one part of a larger effort to combat prescription drug abuse in the region.
As the Grimy Times continues to investigate this story, we will provide updates on any new developments in the case.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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